Louis "Jerome" Velarde

Louis Jerome Velarde, 37, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Houston, Texas. He was born Aug. 26, 1977, in Clayton. Jerome was the son of Mary Kathyren Bahrami and Albert Velarde Sr.
Jerome attended Aztec public schools, graduating in 1996 from Aztec High School. He attended New Mexico State University and then refrigeration trade school. He participated in football, baseball and choir, lettering in all and making state. He enjoyed coaching and umpiring in local youth sports, playing co-ed and men's softball, fishing, camping and hanging out with his kids and family. Jerome has been an avid Dallas Cowboys fan since childhood and Boston Red Sox fan. He was a loving and caring person, and is and will always be missed greatly by family and friends. The family requests that everyone wear Cowboys, Red Sox, or Aztec Tigers memorabilia if possible. The family of Jerome would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers and support. Also, to the ladies who arranged Jerome's candlelight vigil on Thursday night, thank you all.
Jerome was preceded in death by his uncle, Russell Ballew; great-aunts, Ida Frank and Bella Frank; cousins, Brian Rodriguez and Josephine (Velarde) Cordova; maternal grandparents, Jesus and Bernice (Frank) Martinez; paternal grandparents, Jose T. and Deluvina (Martinez) Velarde; and great-granddaughter, "Gramma Frank."
He leaves behind his son, Jeremiah "Miah" Jude Velarde; daughter, Averi Jade Velarde; parents, Mary Kathyren Bahrami and Albert Velarde Sr.; brothers, Albert D. (Kristian) Velarde Jr. and Jose T. (Sylvia) Velarde; sisters, Debbie Velarde and Stephanie (Martin) Chavez; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Event Center, 1441 E. Blanco Blvd. in Bloomfield, with his cousin, pastor Damion Velarde, officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. A reception will follow the memorial service at the Event Center.
Honorary pallbearers are Sandra and Brain Coberly, Tammie and Jason Thompson, Adrian Valdez, David Ballew, Joe Reed, Joe Atencio, Damion Velarde, Yvette Biggs, David Velarde, Scott Valenica, Gaviono Arellano and Charlie Armenta.
Memorials/donations may be made in Jerome's memory to gofundme.com.
Jerome's care is entrusted to the Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.